How soon after exposure will I develop symptoms?

What are the signs and symptoms?

In women s?ymptoms are usually of vaginal drainage, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and burning with urination. ?????The cervix appears inflamed on exam. Infection can spread to the fallopian tubes resulting in PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) – that presents as fever, chills and severe pelvic pain.

In men symptoms are of penile discharge, burning with urination, or painful swollen testicles. Homosexual men may develop pain and swelling in the rectal area as well.

Weeks to months after an infection some can develop back pain, pelvic pain or swollen, painful joints in a syndrome called Reiter’s syndrome which is an inflammatory condition of the joints, not an infection.

Are there any lab tests to diagnose the illness?

Urine can be tested for Chlamydia by DNA PCR testing. It can also be cultured from swabs of the urethra.

Is there any treatment?

Antibiotics like Azithromycin or Doxycycline are effective treatments.

Is the infected person contagious?

YES !! How long a person is contagious is not known, perhaps 2 weeks after treatment one is likely not contagious.